From His Heart - Week of July 12
WHEN MAKING DECISIONS
"Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled in the cities of the valley, and moved his tents as far as Sodom." Genesis 13:12
Decisions. We all make them every day. From what to have for lunch to possibly moving to a new city and taking a new job, we are confronted with decision making on a regular basis. So ... how well do you do when making decisions? Do you know how to make them God's way?
Decision making always reminds me of Lot, Abraham’s nephew. Lot is a great example of how not to make a decision. He was a guy who thought he could have his cake and eat it too. He was given the choice regarding where to live, and he made the decision to pitch his tents toward Sodom.
At the time, it didn't seem like that big or bad of a decision. Financially, it made good sense. His flocks and herds would get full and fat on all the lush green grass in the area around Sodom. The spiritual side of the decision was another story, however. And that side proved monumentally devastating. Moving toward Sodom was a decision that wrecked and ruined his life, his wife, and his family. Sodom and Gomorrah were such wicked cities that the fire of God eventually fell and consumed them in everlasting judgment (see Genesis 19).
DECISION MAKING 101
Let’s consider Lot's decision for a moment and see how that speaks to you and me today. There are three important questions that we all need to ask ourselves before we decide anything of any significance.
1. Where will this decision lead? What is the potential end result? An unequally yoked marriage? An unwanted pregnancy? A sexually transmitted disease? A drug/alcohol addiction? For Lot, moving toward Sodom was a major step in the wrong direction. Getting close to Sodom was akin to a recovering alcoholic keeping a fifth of Jack Daniels in his pantry. Not a good move if you want to stay sober.
2. Will this decision help me grow and glorify God? Lot's new friends were Sodomites, people whom the Bible described as "exceedingly wicked and sinners against the LORD." As you look at the friends you have chosen for yourself, are these people picking you up, or are they pulling you down? As a pastor, I have seen good, godly people derail and crash spiritually. Oftentimes the reason is they choose friends who are a bad influence on them. The Bible says, "He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm" (Prov. 13:20). Listen, if you are serious about your relationship with God, your inner circle of friends needs to be those who walk in the light with the Lord.
3. What does this decision say about my heart and character? What did Lot's choice to move toward Sodom say about him.? Although he was a believer, his heart was not right toward God. He was focused on sin and self, gold and greed. He wasn't seeking first the Kingdom of God, and it became obvious as his life unfolded. Let me encourage you to pray with me, "Change my heart, O God. I am so prone to wander. Help me Lord to love You and Your will and ways above all."
May God remind us of these questions as we make decisions in life ... because decisions determine destiny. If you don’t believe me, just ask Lot.
Love,
Pastor Jeff Schreve
From His Heart Ministries
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Jeff Schreve is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Texarkana, Texas. He and his wife Debbie have been married for over 20 years and are blessed with three wonderful girls. Jeff began From His Heart Ministries, a radio and television ministry, in January of 2005. This ministry is completely listener/viewer supported. It continues only through the faithful and generous gifts of people like you. Pastor Jeff takes no salary from this ministry. All gifts go to further the broadcast.
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